Law Commission seeks public opinion on electoral reforms

Whether a people's representative should stand disqualified upon conviction in a case, or framing of charges in a court, or as soon as the investigation officer presents his report?
The Law Commission has sought public opinion on these, and a variety of other issues, in a consultation paper floated on electoral reforms today.
"The issue of electoral reforms with all its connotations has been receiving attention of the successive governments... A divergence of views further underlines the need to engage in identifying the direct and indirect connection between these issues and the constitutional obligations of strengthening democracy and the rule of law," the law panel said.

It has also asked whether, in addition to the existing scheme of disqualifications, a new statutory provision needs to be inserted for evaluation of fitness of a candidate by an independent body.
It has further asked opinion on whether filing of a false affidavit should be a ground for disqualification. "If yes, what mode and mechanism needs to be provided for adjudication on the veracity of the affidavit," it has asked.
On the issue of state funding of election expenses and regulation of conduct of political parties, the Law Commission has asked whether there should at all be state funding of elections of a candidate or political party. It said if there is state funding, what should be its criteria and the quantum of funding.